Christmas Mantel Decor with Lighted Garland

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Christmas mantels are some of my favorite to decorate! Simply layer lighted garland with faux foliage and some stockings to create a beautiful focal point. Learn how to assemble your Christmas mantel decor easily and quickly with this step by step tutorial!

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Christmas Mantel Decor Ideas

Joining me today are some talented bloggers sharing their own Christmas mantels decorated in various styles! Make sure to check out all of their beautiful mantels via the links at the end of this post.

And, if you’re looking for some specifics on how I make my asymmetrical garlands, make sure to visit my article from last Christmas where I share a how-to video!

Christmas Mantel Decor Tutorial

I find Christmas mantels to be very personal. Usually, people use decor that has some kind of nostalgic feeling to it. Whether it is handmade stockings or a Christmas village passed down, we tend to display our favorite Christmas decor on the mantel.

Step 1: Gather all your Christmas decor

The first thing I always do before I decorate for Christmas is to gather all my Christmas decor into one spot. It helps me plan where and how I will use what I have, and whether or not I should buy specific pieces.

This year, I wanted my Christmas mantel garland to glow! I’ve never had a lighted garland for the mantle before since we don’t have an outlet nearby. So I knew I needed to find battery operated lighting this year.

I wrote an entire article about 5 ways to use battery operated fairy lights around your home for the Christmas season! I am so happy I came across these lights so I could finally light up my Christmas mantel.

Step 2: Choose Your Focal Point

Most years, I use a mirror as my focal point for my mantel decor. It is simple and helps reflect the glow of Christmas lights. You can see how I did this the last two years below.

• 2019: French Modern Farmhouse Mirror
• 2018: Vintage Mirror with Traditional Mantel

However, this year I wanted to use a large art piece. I am not a fan of paying a lot for Christmas decor since it is only on display for a month. So I decided to make my own! You can see how I created this tree art in this article.

Step 3: Layer Your Garland

Once you’ve chosen your focal point, it is time to add your mantle garland! I love to have a full garland, so I always layer multiple garlands with added picks and foliage.

Since garlands can get pricey, I like to add one new garland each year that I can use year round. Then, I mix them together with my winter-specific garlands like pine and cedar. This allows me to get more use out of them all!

To achieve the fullness of this Christmas garland, I used the following:

1. 2 Eucalyptus Garlands
2. 1 Cedar Garland
3. 1 Cedar Grapevine Garland (no longer available)
4. 1 Magnolia Garland
5. 2 Long Pine Picks
6. 4 Bunches of Glitter Foliage
7. 1 Green Branch (Sold out, but this is similar)
8. Battery Operated Fairy Lights
9. Bell Garland

I started on the right about 1 foot from the end of the mantel. Next, I draped both eucalyptus garlands across the mantel, hanging off the left side. Then, I added the cedar garlands, followed by the magnolia garland. Once all the long garlands were in place, I added the picks and additional branches.

To finish off the garland, I draped the fairy lights and then the bell garland on top. I love that I finally have a lighted garland for my Christmas mantel decor!

Step 4: Add Christmas Decor & Stockings

Once your garland is fully assembled, add in your favorite Christmas decor! I added a few simple candlesticks and bottle brush trees to mimic my tree art.

The last piece I add are the stockings. I love these chunky cable knit stockings for their modern old fashioned-ness. Yep, that’s a thing. A little modern, a little old fashioned, but totally cozy!

Stay Connected

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today! I hope you enjoyed a little walk through of how I create my Christmas mantel decor!

Stay tuned for lots more Christmas inspiration to come this year! You can see what I’ve already published for the 2020 season in my Christmas archives!

• Christmas Star Decoration Display
• 5 Ways to Use Fairy Lights
• How to Make Christmas Tree Art
• Festive Holiday Area Rugs
• 3 Easy Ways to Style Kitchens for Christmas

Today I’m joining some of my talented blogging friends for the Christmas Seasonal Simplicity Series. We’re all sharing our holiday mantel decor with you – be sure to check out these fabulous Christmas mantel decor ideas by clicking on the links below each image.

Cozy Cabin Christmas Mantel Decor with Pops of Red at The Happy Housie

Fresh Cedar Christmas Mantel at A Pretty Life

Bright Colourful Merry Mantel at Tatertots and Jello

Red, White, and Gold Christmas Mantel at This is Our Bliss

Cozy Traditional Christmas Mantle at JoAnna Anastasia

Natural and Cozy Christmas Mantel at Modern Glam

Christmas Mantel Decor Ideas at Craftberry Bush

Merry and Bright Christmas Mantle at The Handmade Home

Assymetrical Christmas Mantel with Fresh Greenery and Blue Accents at The DIY Mommy

How to Hang a Garland on a Shelf for a Christmas Vignette at Fynes Designs

Elegant Holiday Living Room and Mantel at House by Hoff

Traditional Christmas Mantel at Rambling Renovators

Christmas Mantel Decorating Ideas at Jennifer Maune

Christmas Mantel Mixing Faux and Fresh Greenery with Grey Accents at Deeply Southern Home

How to Decorate a Mantel for Christmas at She Gave it a Go

How to Decorate a Mantel with a TV Above It for Christmas at Home Made Lovely

My Classic Christmas Mantel with White and Red at Life is Better at Home

How to Style Your Shelves for the Holidays at My Sweet Savannah

Christmas Mantel Decor Ideas at Clean & Scentsible

Modern Minimalist Shelf Styling for the Holidays at This is Simplicite

Christmas Mantel Decor with Lighted Garland at Grace in My Space

Rustic Luxe Christmas Mantel Decor Ideas at Cherished Bliss

My Green and White Christmas Mantel at Cassie Bustamante

Holiday Mantel at Life is a Party

Asymmetrical Garland Mantel at Taryn Whiteaker Designs